Okay! Now that you have planned out your weekend itinerary, I want to give you some game day tips that will make attending a game or event at Chesapeake Arena not only a breeze but that much more easy. If you haven’t already, check out my NBA in OKC post. This will give you an inside look into everything there is to do right in Bricktown. If you need some restaurant recommendations I have your back. Check out my OKC food guide! In the meantime, I’ve got three tips that will make your game day experience easy as pie.
Tip #1: Stay in Bricktown
If you are still unsure about lodging, don’t hesitate any longer and book a hotel in Bricktown. There is so much to do right outside the hotel and several are walking distance to Chesapeake. The Colcord, 21c, Hyatt Place, AC Hotel, and more, not only provide the amenities that many look for, but you can get many attractions you want to on foot from any of these hotels. 21c might be the furthest out, but they also have a shuttle that will take you where you need to go within a certain distance. Wherever you choose to stay, you won’t regret it, cause all of the places I’ve mentioned are great. If you don’t have a problem with ghosts, stay at the Skirvin.
Tip #2: Make a Pre-Game Reservation
Planning to have dinner before the game? Make sure you make your reservation for wherever you plan to eat fo no later than 5:00 pm. Even then, you will be slightly pressed if it’s a 7 pm tip-off. Make sure you let your waiter know you are on a schedule, that way they have you out in time for the game. Restaurants that are in walking distance include Flint and Mickey Mantle’s. Eat first to save on game time snacks. But if you’re like me and require arena food, get the french fries.
Tip 3#: Use the Streetcar
Don’t waste your money on ride shares or give yourself a headache with parking garages. We will have none of that. One, you don’t want to deal with price surges post game, or the traffic in the garage. The OKC Street Car has your back and will take you to and from all of downtown and Bricktown. Listen up! There is a stop right at Chesapeake! I’m telling you for three bucks, you are covered for 24 hours on the Street Car! Can you say, clutch? Hop on and off as much as you want in a day for three dollars. Y’all…this will save you some green in the long run. Let’s be honest, going to a game can get expensive and if I can help you cut corners, then I will.
Tip #4: Be Game Day Ready and Look Your Best!
Get ready to cheer on the Thunder at look your best doing so. Don’t have a tshirt or an outfit to look your best? Don’t worry, I have you covered. For t-shirts sweatshirts and some of the best Oklahoma sports everything, my ride or die is Opolis Clothing. I’ve talked about them so much in the past you probably guessed that was the first thing that was going to come out of my mouth. Grab all of the unique OKC Thunder gear from them. Be careful, they are not open on Sundays. But if you want to be prepared before arriving, you can always shop their full collection online.
Also located in Bricktown is The Painted Door; a super cute boutique selling gifts and accessories. Remember that cute bumble bee clutch I carried to the game? I picked that up from The Painted Door. I was in need of a cute bag for the night because I was bored with the one I brought. Luckily, the first thing my eye was drawn to was the clutch and it has been asked about every time I carry it. If you’re in a pinch, you can definitely find something there.
Another boutique you can check out is Jumpin Jackalope. They offer Oklahoma goods, apparel and they even have Oklahoma Homesick candles. If you have a sweet tooth, they also have different candies and jerky to offset the sugar. If you prefer the basics, you can of course also check out the Thunder Store in Chesapeake Arena.
These tips may seem simple, but I guarantee you they will ease any frustration you may have when it comes to game day. I know parking alone can be obnoxious no matter what city you’re in. So if you ignore everything else, don’t ignore number 3 or 4. You always want to be stress-free and look your best. Whatever you do, have fun, enjoy, and cheer like a champion, everyone!